Comments from our Facebook fans

News of a proposed tribal casino in Medford sparked a vigorous conversation on the Mail Tribune's Facebook page. Here are some edited highlights from that discussion.

News of a proposed tribal casino in Medford sparked a vigorous conversation on the Mail Tribune's Facebook page. Here are some edited highlights from that discussion.

Sharon Duelley Milhollin: With unemployment numbers high, drugs and alcohol up, that's all we need is to add gambling to the mix. I would rather keep the 60 minute drive to Seven Feathers our closest casino. Not that we ever get the choice...

Natasha Edwards: I think it would be beneficial to the economy: more jobs, more tourists, more money in the community.

Susan Lee: I'm not a fan and I think we need to be working on creating jobs that aren't just in the service industry.

Joe Wrabek: I think Medford is kind of a gamble anyway. And when I lived there, I always felt the deck was stacked against me. I don't think having a casino would make much difference.

Rosemary Harrington: I see nothing wrong with this. If you choose to go there, go. If you don't, don't. If you check out who goes to the casino's, I don't think there is going to be a difference in drug use and violence. Crashing walkers may be more like it! Besides, with a bowling alley, and a golf course, it's much more like a fun center. There are machines all over this town via the Lottery.

Sue Byas Colby: Being from California, where there are not video gambling games on every block as there is in Medford, I would think that a casino will not make any difference with the people that choose to abuse gambling. It will definitely bring more money to the community ... restaurants, hotels, etc. Many people that I know that drive from California to the Northwest, go through to Canyonville to spend the night. This will give them the option to stay in Medford and spend their money there.

Ken Webber: I think its a bad idea. It will just bring more crime. You will start to see a higher rate of home burglaries because people will be broke and want money to gamble. Medford is bad enough; we don't need a casino to make it worse.

Rick Hawley: This is a good thing! Think of all the jobs it will bring. It will not bring more crime. Have you been to Seven Feathers? People that go to established casinos are not criminals, they are largely middle class or retirees. I'd say the video poker delis that are all over town are much more of a problem.